The Brookhaven leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1883-1891, 1887-08-11
AND ESSAY.
Read before the Nodk's Greek
Formers Alliance JUly 2Sth,
1851, by j. 4. j. Hart.

Farmers AttuHce Jdtg GSth, I
1851, by j. 4. j. Hart.
Agriculture is one Of the most
ancient as well as one of the most
honorable occupations followed by
man, taking its origin by the com
maud of the Creator of the universe,
when he told man to go forth and
till the earth, by the sweat OF his
brow. should he eat bread.
1t is also a very important oc-
cupation, being the main resource
by which the Inhabitants Of the
earth are fed, furnishing also as it
does q large portion OF the COM
merce Of the world.
While there are many other rea-
sons, we think these two facts stated
are sufficient 10 command the en-
dorsement and consideration Of all
men, but from various causes the
farmers are not prosperous and We
are more or less financially embar-
raised. Viewing. as we do, the
results accomplished by other class
es of society through strict organi-
cation, and believing, as we do, in
the adage, In union there is
strength, hence the necessity for
for farmers to organize that they
may alleviate their troubles and
place themselves upon a higher
plain, agriculturaIly, socially and
financially. And in order that We
may obtain the object sought for,
would recommend that we do by
research and investigation adopt the
most practicable and thorough
system of cultivation, that We may
obtain the greatest results with the
smallest outlay.
And in order TO do this we ought
TO understand our business; that is,
We ought to know what ever species
of crop costs US in dollars and cents,
and what it is worth after we pro-
duce it; that we might decrease the
production of that which was un-
profitable, and increase the product
which paid a dividend; and for the
reason that a person following q
business knowing nothing about it
could scarcely expect to achieve
success. AS another means to get
out of our troubles, | would recon-
mend the most rigid rules of econ
omy, and TO illustrate what can be
done in this direction, l will state
some facts that if any one doubts,
can be verified by any of my neigh
bors. Owing to the overhOws and
extreme wet season last year,
(Lhe most Of my neighbors
being bottom planters) made very
short crops, it being one of the
worst crop years ! ever knew; but
notwithstanding that fact the
amount OF time trade of the neigh
borhood has been reduced so per
cent. this year under untavorahle
circumstances. We ought to at least
reduce it IS per cent, next year IN
der favorable circumstances. That
is to say, nv time trade heretofore
has been from one hundred to two
hundred dollars. This YEAR it is fifty
dollars. Following up the same sys-
tenn one more year aud an'icr favor
able circumstances, we would
obviate the necessity OF time II sdc
altogether. 1t is claimed ALSO nat
we pay from twenty to twenty five
to one hundred per cent winch l.
eXtortlonate and ought not TO be
allowed.
suppose We could effect a time
trade at eight or ten per cent; you
can at once see that it would have
the effect Of reducing our accounts
and Of giving US a greater amount
of goods for the same amount Of
money, which is y two-fold benefit.
AS there are many and various
ways through which benefit will
come through organization too num-
erous to mention, we will pass on to
some legislative questions that de
mand out attention, as much of our
future prosperity depends upon the
educational facilities of our country,
and viewing as l do from my stand
point the present school system as a
fraud and imposition, therefore we
should strive to have a more thor
ough and practical system introduce
ed. | will submit the following
plan which l think would make the
public schools much more efficient:
LIST, Abolish the offices of State
and County Superintendent and
appropriate the amount thus paid
out to the common school fund.
End, Let each child draw it's fund
for every day it actually attends.
3rd, Let the teacher certify to his
account, then be endorsed by the
trustees, ratified by the Board of
Supervisors, and issue warrant for
same on county treasurer.
AS a further aid to the public
school, / would suggest That we
have a county Board OF Contractors. |
Then let all such crimes as petit
larceny come under the jurisdiction
of Justice Of the Peace and when
convicted, be turned over to the
contractors and the amount Of
revenue thus derived be turned into
the school fund.
1t would have a three fold bearing
So. Il 4